Case for remote control units

ABSTRACT

The case ( 1 ) for remote control units includes: a cover wrapping ( 2 ) for covering the substantial totality of a remote control unit (T), the remote control unit (T) including a pushbutton panel (P) and an emission element (E) for the emission of a wireless signal (S), and a removable shielding element ( 9 ), associated with the cover wrapping ( 2 ) substantially in correspondence to the emission element (E) and suitable for shielding the wireless signal (S).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a case for remote control units.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known that an investigation into the hygiene of hotel rooms hasshown that, contrary to all expectations, the cleanest part of the roomis the bathroom, inasmuch as this is washed and sanitized continuously,while the dirtiest and most infected by germs, bacteria or pathogens ofvarious type is the remote control unit of the TV set.

The remote control units of TV sets in fact come into contact with thehands of various hotel bedroom users without hardly ever being cleanedor sanitized, including because of the fact that they containparticularly delicate electronic devices which do not permit washingthem using traditional detergents but which call for specific devices,the prolonged use of which however damages the remote control unit andreduces its life span.

The patent documents FR 2 762 922, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,470, US2008/0121541 and WO 2008/091700 illustrate a series of possible remotecontrol cases designed to provide a hygiene barrier against theproliferation of germs and bacteria.

The cases made this way generally consist of a covering that envelopsthe remote control unit and prevents the user from coming into directcontact with the keys of the remote control unit.

These cases of known type do however have a number of drawbacksincluding the fact that, to ensure an effective barrier against theproliferation of germs and bacteria, they have to be changed andreplaced fairly frequently (at least once for each hotel bedroom user)but, due to the negligence or the forgetfulness of the cleaning staff,this operation is not always performed.

In this circumstance, in practice, traditional cases completely losetheir hygienic-protection function because the prolonged use of the samecase provokes the same risk of germ and bacteria propagation as remotecontrol units without any case whatsoever.

To this must be added that, even if the case is replaced according tothe correct frequency, the hotel bedroom user cannot in any case becertain that such operation has actually been performed and that thecase of his/her control unit has never been previously used.

Traditional cases in fact are unable to provide any indication or signalsuitable for ensuring and guaranteeing they have only ever been used byjust one user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a case for remotecontrol units which is in fact of the “disposable” type and can only beused by one user. Within the scope of such technical aim, a furtherobject of the present invention is to provide a case for remote controlunits that permits certifying and guaranteeing to the user that suchcase is single-use and that he/she is using it for the first time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a case for remotecontrol units which allows to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of thestate of the art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy andeffective to use as well as low cost solution.

The above objects are achieved by the present case for remote controlunits, comprising at least a cover wrapping for covering the substantialtotality of a remote control unit, said remote control unit comprisingat least a pushbutton panel and at least an emission element for theemission of a wireless signal, characterised by the fact that itcomprises at least a removable shielding element associated with saidcover wrapping substantially in correspondence to said emission elementand suitable for shielding said wireless signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention willbecome more evident from the description of a preferred, but not sole,embodiment of a case for remote control units, illustrated purely as anexample but not limited to the annexed drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of the case according to the inventionbefore use;

FIG. 2 is a section view of the case according to the invention in whicha remote control unit is fitted;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are two section views of the case according to theinvention in a closing configuration, in which two remote control unitshaving different dimensions are fitted;

FIG. 4 is an axonometric view of the case according to the inventionduring the removal of the shielding element;

FIG. 5 is an axonometric view of the case according to the inventionafter use.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With particular reference to such figures, globally indicated by 1 is acase for remote control units.

The case 1 is meant to be used together with a remote control unit T ofthe type comprising a pushbutton panel P and an emission element E forthe emission of a wireless signal S.

The wireless signal S is preferably a light signal, i.e., any type ofelectromagnetic wave or combination of electromagnetic waves fallingwithin the wavelength range between ultraviolet and infra-red.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, e.g., the remote controlunit T is of the type of a classic remote control unit for controlling aTV set V.

In this case, the emission element E consists, e.g., of an infra-redemitter, of the type of a light diode (LED) which emits infra-red lightat a wavelength of about 950 nm.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the case 1is used with remote control units T for controlling electronic devicesof different types, e.g., to control Hi-Fi apparatus or lightingsystems, to open/close doors and gates, and/or having an emissionelement E different from the infra-red emitters.

The case 1 was designed in particular as a disposable device forcontaining remote control units T in hotel bedrooms, but can also beused in exactly the same way in other environments, such as hospitals,clinics, homes and workplaces in general.

The case 1 comprises a cover wrapping 2 for covering the substantialtotality of the remote control unit T; this means that the coverwrapping 2, once fitted over the remote control unit T, covers itsentire surface without leaving any part of it uncovered.

The cover wrapping 2 comprises a flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, havinga fitting opening 4 for fitting the remote control unit T and which canbe closed by means of closing means 5, 6, 7.

More in detail, the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d comprises a tubularbody having an open extremity 3 a, suitable for defining and coincidingwith a fitting opening 4, and a closed extremity 3 b, opposite the openextremity 3 a.

The flexibility of the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d permits using theremote control unit T when this is fitted in the case 1 by simplypressing the keys of the pushbutton panel P.

Usefully, the closing means 5, 6, 7 comprise a flap 5, extending from anedge of the open extremity 3 a and which can be folded on the fittingopening 4, and a layer of adhesive material 6 for joining the flap 5 tothe flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d.

The layer of adhesive material 6, e.g., consists of a strip of adhesivetemporarily covered by a protective tongue 7, which is removable shortlybefore the closing of the case 1.

The flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d and the flap 5 are made of a plasticmaterial, e.g., HDPE (high-density polyethylene) with a thickness of35-40 μm, to which can if necessary be added an additive suitable formaking the cover wrapping 1 biodegradable, such as, e.g., the commercialproduct known by the brand name d2w®.

The flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d has at least one sector which is atleast partially transparent and can be placed in correspondence to thepushbutton panel P of the remote control unit T, to allow this to beseen once the case 1 has been closed.

More in detail, in the particular embodiment of the invention shown inthe illustrations, the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d is divided into asubstantially first transparent face 3 c and into a secondnon-transparent face 3 d.

This subdivision makes it easier to recognise the front and back of thecover wrapping 2 so that, during the fitting of the remote control unitT in the case 1, the first face 3 c is placed in correspondence to thepushbutton panel P of the remote control unit T.

The second face 3 d can be usefully dedicated to printing wordings,drawings, advertising logos, instructions for the use of case 1, medicalspeciality indications and symbols or the like.

The cover wrapping 2 also comprises at least one segment with weakenedsection 8 suitable for more easily tearing open the cover wrapping 2 forits removal from the remote control unit T.

Once the flap 5 has been closed, in fact, the layer of adhesive material6 creates a permanent adhesion on the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 dand to remove the remote control unit T the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c,3 d must be torn, making it no longer usable for subsequent uses.

The segment with weakened section 8 can consist of a pre-cut line, incorrespondence to which the thickness of the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c,3 d is reduced (e.g., 15-20 μm).

In combination or alternatively, the segment with weakened section 8 canconsist of a succession of holes of sizes small enough to prevent,during use, direct contact of the user's hand with the remote controlunit T and consider the substantial totality of the remote control unitT still substantially covered.

Advantageously, the case 1 comprises a removable shielding element 9,which is associated with the cover wrapping 2 substantially incorrespondence to the emission element E of the remote control unit Tand is suitable for shielding the wireless signal S.

In this respect, the fact is underlined that in the present treatise,saying that the shielding element 9 is suitable for shielding thewireless signal S means that it is such as to interrupt and not allowthe transmission/transit of the wireless signal S, and therefore theoperation of the TV set V or of any other electronic device coupled tothe remote control unit T.

Usefully, the shielding element 9 is arranged in correspondence to andastride the closed extremity 3 b of the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d.

More in detail, the shielding element 9 extends both on the first face 3c and on the second face 3 d of the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d,from one side to the other of the closed extremity 3 b.

The shielding element 9 comprises a metalized laminate 10, 11 associatedwith the cover wrapping 2.

Preferably, with the shielding element 9 is combined an identificationhologram 12, i.e., a holographic image shown on a medium.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the illustrations, therefore, theshielding element 9 consists of a holographic label onto a metalizedlaminate, i.e., a commercial label purchasable at low prices wherein themedium on which the holographic image is shown consists of a metalizedlaminate.

The particular solution of using a holographic label 9 permits combiningthe metalized laminate 10, 11, needed to shield the wireless signal S,with the identification hologram 12.

The identification hologram 12 can be used to show, for example:

-   -   the hotel brand;    -   an identification code, usable by the manufacturer of the cases        1 to recognise any counterfeited products;    -   indications for removing the shielding element 9.

The holographic label 9 is of the adhesive type and comprises at least apart which can be glued on the outer surface of the cover wrapping 2.

In this respect, it is pointed out that the shielding element 9comprises at least a first portion 10, firmly associated with the coverwrapping 2, and a second portion 11, removable by tearing off from thefirst portion 10 to allow the transmission of the wireless signal S.

More in detail, the shielding element 9 comprises two first portions 10associated along two opposite sides 11 a of the second portion 11,wherein the opposite sides 11 a are breakable for the removal of thesecond portion 11.

In particular, the first portions 10 are firmly associated (e.g., bygluing using a strong glue) with the cover wrapping 2 and suitable forremaining onto the cover wrapping 2 after the removal of the secondportion 11 as proof of tampering, with tamper-evident function.

The first portions 10 are shaped to form two longitudinal strips, i.e.,which extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coverwrapping 2 and wrap from one side to the other the closed extremity 3 bof the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c,, 3 d.

The second portion 11, on the other hand, is without glue or is glued tothe cover wrapping 2 by means of a weak glue, which permits its removal;in both cases, once the second portion 11 has been removed it cannot bereattached.

In the same way as on the cover wrapping 2, on the shielding element 9too, wordings, drawings, advertising logos, instructions for using thecase 1, medical indications and symbols, or the like can be printed.

The operation of the present invention is the following.

The case 1 is distributed on the market as it appears in FIG. 1, withthe shielding element 9 integral and associated with the cover wrapping2 and with the fitting opening 4 accessible from outside.

At the time of use, for example to cover the remote control unit T of ahotel room, the bedroom cleaning person introduces the remote controlunit T through the fitting opening 4, turning the emission element Etowards the closed extremity 3 b and the shielding element 9 andpositioning the pushbutton panel P on the side of the first face 3 c(FIG. 2).

At this point, the cleaning person removes the protective tongue 7 andfolds the flap 5 on the fitting opening 4 to close the cover wrapping 2around the remote control unit T (FIGS. 3 a and 3 b).

Usefully, the case 1 can be proposed in various shapes and sizes toadapt to the dimensions of the different remote control units T on themarket.

It is underlined however that the particular shape of the case 1 permitsquickly and easily adapting the length of the cover wrapping 2 to thelength of the remote control unit T by simply folding the flap 5 on theflexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d.

Such property of the present invention is well illustrated in the FIGS.3 a and 3 b, where the case 1 is shown in closing configuration coveringtwo remote control units T of different dimensions.

Once the cover wrapping 2 has been closed, the remote control unit T isleft inside the hotel room with the shielding element 9 which ispositioned in front of the emission element E and therefore prevents thetransmission of the wireless signal S to the TV set V.

In such configuration, the remote control unit T is found by the user ofthe hotel room, who is therefore sure that no one before him/her canhave used the remote control unit T and he/she is the first to use itafter it has been fitted in the case 1.

To use the remote control unit T and the TV set V, the user removes theshielding element 9 by tearing the second portion 11 off the firstportions 10, which remain on the cover wrapping 2 to testify it has beenused (FIG. 4).

The cover wrapping 2 is made of a non-shielding material.

Consequently, once the second portion 11 has been removed, the remotecontrol unit T can be used normally by the user who is sure of handlinga clean case 1 in conditions of utmost hygiene.

While cleaning the hotel bedroom, the cleaner replaces the already-usedcase 1 with a new one.

For this purpose, the cover wrapping 2 is necessarily removed bytearing, exploiting the segment with weakened section 8 which ensureseasier breaking of the flexible bag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d (FIG. 5).

Once the cover wrapping 2 has been removed, the breakage of the flexiblebag 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d prevents its being used again, making necessarythe use of a new case 1 and provides a further guarantee of the hygienicbenefits of the present invention.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. Case (1) for remote control units, comprising atleast a cover wrapping (2) for covering the substantial totality of aremote control unit (T), said remote control unit (T) comprising atleast a pushbutton panel (P) and at least an emission element (E) forthe emission of a wireless signal (S), wherein said case (1) comprisesat least a removable shielding element (9) associated with said coverwrapping (2) substantially in correspondence to said emission element(E) and suitable for shielding said wireless signal (S).
 18. The case(1) according to claim 17, wherein said shielding element (9) comprisesat least a metalized laminate (10, 11) associated with said coverwrapping (2).
 19. The case (1) according to claim 17, wherein saidshielding element (9) comprises at least an identification hologram(12).
 20. The case (1) according to claim 17, wherein said shieldingelement (9) comprises at least an holographic label onto a metalizedlaminate.
 21. The case (1) according to claim 20, wherein saidholographic label (9) is of the adhesive type and can be glued on theouter surface of said cover wrapping (2).
 22. The case (1) according toclaim 17, wherein said shielding element (9) comprises at least a firstportion (10) firmly associated with said cover wrapping (2) and at leasta second portion (11) removable by tearing off from said first portion(10) to allow the transmission of said wireless signal (S).
 23. The case(1) according to claim 22, wherein said first portion (10) is firmlyassociated with said cover wrapping (2) and is suitable for remainingonto said cover wrapping (2) after the removal of said second portion(11) as proof of tampering.
 24. The case (1) according to claim 20,wherein said shielding element (9) comprises at least two of said firstportions (10) associated along two opposite sides (11 a) of said secondportion (11), said opposite sides (11 a) being breakable for the removalof said second portion (11).
 25. The case (1) according to claim 17,wherein said cover wrapping (2) comprises at least a flexible bag (3 a,3 b, 3 c, 3 d).
 26. The case (1) according to claim 17, wherein saidcover wrapping (2) comprises at least a fitting opening (4) for fittingsaid remote control unit (T), said fitting opening (4) being closable bymeans of closing means (5, 6, 7).
 27. The case (1) according to claim26, wherein said closing means (5, 6, 7) comprise at least a flap (5)foldable on said fitting opening (4) and at least a layer of adhesivematerial (6) for joining said flap (5) to said cover wrapping (2). 28.The case (1) according to claim 26, wherein said cover wrapping (2)comprises at least a tubular body having an open extremity (3 a)suitable for defining said fitting opening (4) and a closed extremity (3a) opposite said open extremity (3 a).
 29. The case (1) according toclaim 28, wherein said shielding element (9) is arranged incorrespondence to said closed extremity (3 b).
 30. The case (1)according to claim 17, wherein said cover wrapping (2) comprises atleast a sector which is at least partially transparent and can be placedin correspondence to said pushbutton panel (P) of the remote controlunit (T).
 31. The case (1) according to claim 17, wherein said coverwrapping (2) is divided into a first substantially transparent face (3d) and into a second non-transparent face (3 d), said first face (3 c)being placeable in correspondence to said pushbutton panel of the remotecontrol unit (T).
 32. The case (1) according to claim 17, wherein saidcover wrapping (2) comprises at least a segment with weakened section(8) suitable for making easier the tearing off of said cover wrapping(2) for its removal from said remote control unit (T).